The Weighted Blanket Guide, by Eileen Parker and Cara Koscinski

If you have autism, or have a child who is autistic or who has sensory issues, you know the importance of deep pressure.  Eileen Parker, an adult living with autism and sensory processing disorder (SPD), and Cara Kosinski, an occupational therapist who specializes in autism and SPD, have written The Weighted Blanket Guide: Everything You Need to Know about Weighted Blankets and Deep Pressure for Autism, Chronic Pain, and Other Conditions.

This is a very practical guide for someone considering using a weighted blanket.  While they are proponents of the use of weighted blankets, they acknowledge that their use is supported by anecdote and preference, not scientific evidence.  "There is no scientific proof that weighted blankets work.  But a great deal of anecdotal evidence supports that they do work."  The authors provide a great deal of anecdotal evidence, as well as guidelines for the use of a weighted blanket.

Ms. Parker has owned a company that sold weighted blankets.  She provides guidelines for buying and selecting an appropriate blanket.  They also give detailed instructions for making a blanket, should the reader have some sewing skills (and some time).  I was convinced to consider trying a weighted blanket with my son who has SPD, and tempted to try it myself.  They say "many patients who used the blankets feel calmer, more grounded, safe and secure, with improved concentration and decreased stress and anxiety, as well has having improved sleep."  How's that for an endorsement!


Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!